Bridger Winegar, writer and host of I Said No Gifts!, talks about being closeted until 26 and his experience being raised Mormon. They also discuss swimming with pigs in the Bahamas, car culture and pronunciations, bad roommate experiences, favorite date spots, and their desire to live in a hotel.
Opening up and being more authentic during dates can lead to a better understanding of compatibility.
Antico Nuovo and Clark Street Diner are recommended as great date spots.
Being in the closet affects one's ability to be vulnerable, but working on opening up can lead to meaningful connections.
Deep dives
Dating advice after being in the closet
For someone who has been in the closet for a long time, it can be challenging to open up and share with others. Experiment with being more open and pushing the boundaries when going on dates. Treat it as a fun and exciting time for yourself. If the other person is into your authentic self, great. If not, it's better to know early on. Be your most extreme self in these situations and see where it takes you.
Recommended restaurants for a date
Antico Nuovo and Clark Street Diner are great choices for a date. Antico Nuovo is a cozy Italian restaurant with delicious food, while Clark Street Diner offers a comfortable atmosphere and excellent diner food. Both places are sure to provide a pleasant dining experience.
Advice for keeping secrets
Being in the closet often involves keeping secrets, which can affect one's ability to share and open up. It's important to work on being more vulnerable and comfortable with sharing information and feelings, even if it feels challenging. Building trust with others and finding a safe space to open up can help in overcoming the barriers created by keeping secrets for so long.
Navigating lateness and ADHD
If lateness is a challenge due to ADHD, it can be helpful to communicate with others about it and set appropriate expectations. Explaining the situation and finding ways to manage timeliness can help foster understanding and reduce stress for all parties involved. Scheduling meetups earlier than necessary can be a strategy to help manage time more effectively.
Advice for dating in general
Dating should be a fun experience where you are true to yourself. Don't be afraid to be real and showcase your personality. Building connections with others based on shared values and interests is important. Remember that it's okay if not every date leads to a long-term relationship. Enjoy the process and trust that the right person will come along when the time is right.
Writer Bridger Winegar (host of I Said No Gifts!) joins Nicole to discuss his experience being closeted to himself until the age of 26, being raised Mormon, and the thrill of setting people up on dates. Nicole reads some nasty messages she's received from the Bahamas.
Write to Nicole! Submit your dirty pick-up lines, dating stories, or questions to whywontyoudatemepodcast@gmail.com for a chance to have it read on-air.